Tiny, but not without charm

June 25, 2013

There’s a 1920 California bungalow for sale in Los Angeles that is tiny (480 square feet) and expensive ($449,000) … and yet, very appealing. The reason for the high price tag is the home’s location in Los Feliz, a hot spot for younger celebrities and regular schmoes who want to rub shoulders with said celebrities. Los Feliz is also close to downtown L.A. and features a bustling district of restaurants, bars and boutiques.

You’ll find photos of the half-million-dollar charmer here. The living spaces are minimal: one bedroom, one bathroom, a small galley kitchen, a living room and an office. But the owners have done a splendid job of making the spaces feel larger. Pops of bright color set off the white walls and ceilings, and the interiors are filled with natural light. Wall art is minimal — one or two pieces per room. A pocket door to the bathroom saves precious floor space, and the kitchen sink is open underneath for storage.

The homeowners made the most of their outdoor space as well. The yard is surrounded with a rustic wood fence and has a picnic table and seating lounge. Flea-market finds such as old street signs and wooden crates match the ambience of the neighborhood. Even the modest front elevation is welcoming, with the pediment over the front porch. Nicely done.

Susan Bady has been writing about the housing industry for 30 years. She is senior editor of Professional Builder and Custom Builder magazines, and produces the Design Innovation e-newsletter. Bady has also written for such consumer magazines as Cabin Life and Better Homes and Gardens’ Home Plan Ideas. You can reach her at sbady@sgcmail.com.